KALE 141 



well, and are therefore usually sown where they are to 

 stand. Kale is most prized as a spring or as a fall crop ; 

 for a spring crop it is often planted late and allowed to 

 remain in the field during the winter, requiring in cold 

 places only a light mulch. There are several varieties, 

 their characteristics indicated above, some being dwarf. 

 The low-growing Kales winter best. Sea-Kale is an- 

 other plant ; see under Sea-Kale. 



Soil&s for cabbage, strong, moist, and well enriched. 



Distances. Rows and plants in rows, eighteen to 

 thirty inches apart, according to variety. 



Depth of seed. One-half to one inch. 



Sow in the North usually in the open ground, in 

 April or May, and again in August for wintering. 



Transplant the tall varieties from seed-bed at four 

 to six inches. The low-growing kinds transplant with 

 difficulty, and should be set shallow, keeping the earth 

 out of the centers. They are best sown thinly in rows 

 where they are to stand, and thinned, when well up, to 

 eighteen inches or more. 



Fertilizer. Kale does well if fed at intervals with 

 liquid manure or nitrate of soda, like cabbage, which 

 see. 



Pick the leaves as wanted, or pull the whole plant. 

 The leaves are best after they have been touched with 

 frost. 



Break down all flower-stalks as soon as they appear. 



Diseases and pests, see cabbage. 



